City defends proposed building of daycare at Gyro Park

The City of Cranbrook is defending a decision by Council to move ahead on the building of a new daycare facility.

While the choice of Gyro Park has been met with some opposition, the City maintains all-day daycare is in demand, with the school district only providing before and after-school coverage.

“There is a desperate need for childcare in Cranbrook as there is in most jurisdictions for young families and working parents with children,” said a City release Monday.

“This includes both before and after school care, as well as all-day childcare.”

The City is moving forward on the plan after the provincial government announced grants to build childcare buildings, including covering the cost of design and construction.

If approved for funding, the idea would see the creation of 124 new child care spaces.

The City has gone on record as saying nothing, including the current playground equipment at Gyro Park would be affected.